Contributed by Ryan Campbell

Events

1947 – During an exhibition game against their minor league team, the Montreal Royals, Dodgers President Branch Rickey announces that the team has purchased the contract of Jackie Robinson.

1977 – The Indians and Red Sox combine for 19 runs in one inning, the most in Major League history.

1990 – Wade Boggs is intentially walked three times, at the time a record for a nine innings game

1990 – President Bush is the first President to throw out the opening pitch on Opening Day in Canada, when he does so at a Blue Jays game.

Births

1950 – Ken Griffey Sr., a pretty solid player in his own right (three time All-Star), but more famous for being the father of Junior.

1982 – Dodgers OF Andre Ethier, who had six walk-off hits in 2009, whiche earned him the MLB Clutch Performer of the Year Award.